NMC Revalidation Extension
Are you one of the many nurses who are approaching your revalidation deadline? If so, you may be wondering if you’ll be able to get an extension. In this blog post, we’ll tell you all about the NMC revalidation extension and how to apply for it. Keep reading to learn more!
NMC Revalidation Extension (Overview)
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) introduced a revalidation extension to offer more time for nurses who need it. The extension is available to nurses who can prove they need it and will be able to use their extra time to take care of a sick family member, return to work after illness, or return from maternity leave.
The extension isn’t technically an entire year, but you can renew it for three years. This means that if you need to take care of someone who’s sick, you could be able to go six years before needing to resubmit your application. However, this will depend on how many times you receive the extension.
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Apply for NMC Revalidation Extension
To apply for the revalidation extension, you must be a registered nurse or midwife with the NMC. You should submit your application at least 12 weeks before your current registration period expires. Check your license expiry date online if you’re unsure how long it is until your current period ends.
It’s important to note that you can only submit one application per registration period. This means that if your reason for extending your license is something like maternity leave, you cannot apply more than once in a single five-year period.
To apply, fill out the online form and explain why you’re using it. Your NMC caseworker will then decide whether you’re eligible for the extension and what your new expiry date will be.
You can also add an attachment with information about why you need more time, like a doctor’s letter certifying that you’re unable to work at this time or an email from your head of HR confirming that maternity leave is planned. This attachment cannot be longer than 2000 characters.
If you’re wondering what your chances of getting an extension are, here’s a look at the requirements that the NMC will be looking for:
Personal or family circumstances that are considered exceptional. You must have proof to back up this claim if you want your application to succeed.
You’ve submitted all mandatory evidence for revalidation in full, on time. If you were unable to meet the deadline for whatever reason, you’d need to state why in your application.
You still have a valid NMC Pin. If not, you can’t apply for an extension because it won’t be possible for you to revalidate until this has been resolved.
Your email address must be a current working email address. This is so the NMC can contact you if they have any questions about your application.
You must be currently registered with the NMC as a nurse or midwife.
Benefits of the extension
There are many benefits to receiving the extension, especially if you’re not in a position to return to work after maternity leave. It’s common for new mothers to be unable to return to work after a year, and applying for the extension can make it easier.
If you need more time, you shouldn’t feel guilty about requesting it from the NMC. Receiving this extension will help nurses show that they are responsible professionals passionate about their careers.
Drawbacks of Extension
The revalidation extension can be a great way to give yourself more time and ease your workload. However, some drawbacks should be considered before applying:
You must prove to the NMC why you need this extension and how it will benefit them. The application process isn’t automatic and won’t occur unless you meet all the requirements.
If you don’t have a proper cause for your extension, or if it’s incomplete, your application will be denied. You must include all evidence with your application and ensure that the data is current. Failure to do so might result in your application being refused.
You can only apply for one extension at a time, so make sure you only request it if you need it. You can’t apply for a second one until the first has been approved.
NMC Revalidation Extension Application Deadline
You must submit your application within three years of the end date of your previous revalidation. As long as your application is submitted before this deadline, it will be considered at the next panel.
Conclusion
The extension isn’t a quick fix, and you can’t use it to avoid submitting your application. After two years, you must still submit the portfolio to be eligible for revalidation.
If you’re struggling with completing your revalidation because of personal circumstances such as taking care of a family member or returning from maternity leave, this extension could help you.
We hope this article helped you learn about the revalidation process and the extension option. Thanks for reading!
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